Explore the Positively Languages Chicago Guide. Discover courses, accommodation options, student life, facilities, and everything you need to know about studying English in Chicago, USA. Start your international education journey with Positively Languages today.
CHICAGO
Formerly known as Kaplan Languages Group
CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
CONTENT
NEXT STOP:
NEXT STOP: CHICAGO About Chicago
Why Study in our Chicago School?
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About Positively Languages Chicago
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Courses & Students
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Accommodation in Chicago
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Health and Safety
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Laws, Local Customs & Rules
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Chicago
Holiday Policy
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CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT CHICAGO
WHY STUDY IN OUR CHICAGO SCHOOL?
Chicago stands out for its vibrant downtown atmosphere, bringing together renowned shopping, live music, welcoming cafés, public parks and exciting nightlife
• Located on the Magnificent Mile, a famous shopping district in downtown Chicago. • Situated just a short walk from the parks that line Lake Michigan. • Surrounded by a variety of entertainment, from dining options and museums to sporting events. • Easy access to Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
LOCATION AND CONTACT INFO Address 444 N Michigan Ave Mezzanine Level, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone +1 (312) 962-2460 Emergency contact +1 (332) 900-4199
WHY CHOOSE THIS CITY: • Full of historic and contemporary architecture • Home to an exciting sports culture • Cutting-edge cuisine • Thriving jazz scene • Enjoys the diversity of all four seasons CITY PERSONALITY: Active, architecture, artistic, big city, charming, coffee haven, cosmopolitan, entertainment capital, foodie scene, friendly, iconic landmarks, museums, picturesque, vibrant LANDMARKS: Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and The Bean, Lake Michigan, Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Shedd Aquarium THINGS TO DO: Bike along the lakefront trails on Lake Michigan, kayak down the Chicago River, indulge in a variety of food tours TRANSPORT OPTIONS: Buses, trains NEARBY CITIES TO VISIT: • Milwaukee - 2.25 hours away, $50 return ticket • Minneapolis - 1 hour away by flight
SCHOOL INFORMATION School Director Lillian Bartels Total number of teachers 11–15 Languages spoken by staff Spanish, French, Italian, Korean Teacher qualifications
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Bachelor’s (or equivalent) with TESOL, CELTA, TEFL certificate (including practicum) or six months of ESL/EFL teaching experience.
Disclaimer: All the information on this school guide is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information
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CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT POSITIVELY LANGUAGES CHICAGO
LIVING COST (SAMPLE PRICES) Bottle of water $1-$2 Coffee $2-$3 Meal out for two $40 Takeaway pizza $12 Local transport ticket
COURSES PROVIDED: General English, Semi-Intensive English, Intensive English, Academic Year Abroad, Business English Supplementary, TOEFL® Add-on, Tailored Group Programs LEVELS OF ENGLISH OFFERED: All levels (Beginner, Elementary, Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, Higher Intermediate, Advanced, Proficiency) OTHER SERVICES: Accommodation, Airport transfer, Medical Insurance (see price list for details) SCHOOL FACILITIES: Elevator, air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, computer lab/multimedia center (12 computers available), vending machine, prayer room, student lounge/ common room, wheelchair accessible. At no extra cost. SCHOOL MATERIALS: P+ Course Books, P+ Learning Space for all students. P+ Extra for Semi-Intensive and Intensive students. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Be sure to check your email the week before your start date for your class and orientation schedule! Also, don’t forget to complete the placement test and send in any required documents.
SAMPLE CLASS TIMETABLES
Language Foundation lessons
$2.25-$2.50 Bike rental $20
MORNING
AFTERNOON
08:30-10:00 14:15-15:45
CLASS BREAK CLASS
10:00-10:15 10:15-11:45
15:45-16:00 16:00-17:30
Specialist Skills lessons
MORNING (MON-THU)
AFTERNOON (MON-THU)
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES International Day Free Beach Volleyball on Lake Michigan Free Ice Skating $20 Architectural Boat Tour $20 Holiday Party $20 Sports Game $25-$100
N/A
12:30 - 14:00
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: You should plan to attend class on your first day. Please bring your passport (and visa information if required) NUMBER OF BUILDINGS: 1 NUMBER OF FLOORS: 1 NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS: 15 WHEELCHAIR / DISABLED ACCESS: Yes
SCHOOL LOCATION AND TRANSPORT
SAMPLE SOCIAL SCHEDULE
TIME TO...
ON FOOT On-site
BY BIKE
BY BUS
BY METRO/TRAIN
DAYS
FIRST WEEK
SECOND WEEK
On-site
On-site
On-site
Welcome new students
Museum Visit Game Night Beach Volleyball
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
MONDAY TUESDAY
5 minutes 5 minutes 1 minute 45 minutes 15 minutes
2 minutes 2 minutes
N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A
Architecture Tour
Bike Ride
WEDNESDAY
N/A
Visit Millennium Park
Deep Dish Pizza Tasting
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THURSDAY
15 minutes 5 minutes
30 minutes 10 minutes
15 minutes
Graduation Party
Graduation Party
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
FRIDAY
N/A N/A
Boat Cruise
Tour of Wrigley Field
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
SATURDAY
1 minute
N/A
N/A
THE CITY CENTRE
Number of social activities per week: 2-3
For the most up-to-date prices, please visit www.transitchicago.com
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CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
Enhance your English in an immersive environment. Whether you want to upgrade your language fluency, prepare for university or gain career skills, you will have 6, 9 or 11 months to study the language, live like a local and make lifelong friendships. ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMME
Courses & STUDENTS
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE • Semi-Intensive • Intensive • Multi-Destination Year
SEE THE AYA BROCHURE
“I gained a lot of friends from different parts of the world, and I enjoyed every activity, especially the outdoor activities such as picnics by the beach.” Gerald from the Philippines
TOP 10 STUDENT NATIONALITIES: Turkey, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, France, Chile, Italy, Mexico, Japan, South Korea STUDENTS PER CLASS: 14–17 (Maximum: 17)
MINIMUM AGE: 16 years old AVERAGE AGE: 26 years old STUDENTS PER AGE GROUP:
• 18-21: 30% • 22-25: 16% • 26-30: 27% • Over 30: 27%
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CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN CHICAGO
ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD RESIDENCE
HI HOSTEL
COMMON AREA
COMMON AREA
BEDROOM
ADDRESS: 24 East Ida B Wells Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605 ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Two accommodation options; studio rooms with private bathroom and kitchen or single rooms with shared bathroom (maximum of 4 students), shared kitchen and shared communal living area. Rooms will be in apartments of 2-4 Positively Languages students, mixed nationalities and mixed genders BEDROOM: Queen bed, desk, chair and storage. All bedding is provided and included in the price. Towels and hairdryers are not provided KITCHEN: Oven / hob / microwave, fridge, freezer and all crockery and utensils provided SERVICES: Wi-Fi, laundry facilities ($6 per load of laundry) FACILITIES: Bike storage, ping pong table and pool table. All included in the price LANDMARKS NEARBY: Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, Chicago Theatre
VISITORS OR GUESTS ALLOWED? Yes; no overnight guests NOISE RESTRICTIONS? Yes, after 23:00 SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE RESIDENCE? No, outside in the designated smoking area only 24-HOUR SECURITY? Yes RESIDENCE CLEANING: Rooms will be cleaned on arrival only. Students can request fresh bedding sets at reception LINEN CHANGING: On arrival only MINIMUM AGE: Over 18’s only AVAILABILITY: From 29/08/2026 to 28/08/2027 MINIMUM NUMBER OF WEEKS: One week CHECK-IN: From 15:00 on Saturdays and anytime on Sundays CHECK-OUT: On Saturdays by 10:00 ROOM DEPOSIT? No, but all students must sign a Code of Conduct on their first day
HOMESTAY INFORMATION
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
Only students aged 18 and over can go into private accommodation. If you are 16 or 17 years old you will be housed in a homestay and should be home by 22:00 each night. SOME TIPS TO FIND YOUR OWN APARTMENT OR SHARE A HOUSE WITH FRIENDS: • Check whether the accommodation you are going to see is in a safe area • Take a friend with you when you go to view any accommodation • If you are sharing an apartment or house find out who has access to it • Make sure the accommodation is safe, has current fire/safety checks, and smoke alarms are fitted • Make sure your room is secure and that you have insurance for your laptop, camera, and other valuable items • Keep in mind that in addition to rent, you may be responsible for paying for additional fees and taxes
THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING: Personal items to make your room feel like home, prescription medication SERVICES INCLUDED: Bed linen, towels, telephone use for emergencies, make sure you discuss laundry with your host family after arrival; laundry facilities will depend on your individual homestay MEALS PROVIDED: Depends on booking type. If you book 14 meals per week you will have breakfast and dinner. If you book 7 meals per week, you are responsible for your own dinner and you may not have access to the kitchen at certain times Breakfast: Usually a light meal consisting of cereal, fruit, toast, juice, or coffee. Hosts will usually ask you to prepare your own breakfast Lunch: You will be responsible for buying your own lunch at school, from a local restaurant, or the local shops Dinner: You will usually eat dinner with your host, or occasionally you may prepare your own meal with food supplied by your host WHERE ARE THE HOMESTAYS LOCATED? Chicago & suburban areas WILL THE HOMESTAY ARRANGE TO PICK YOU UP FROM THE AIRPORT? No DISTANCE TO SCHOOL: Homestays are 50-70 minutes of commute time to the school TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL: Your host will help you to find your way to and from school on your first day and will show you how to use public transport
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
BY METRO/TRAIN
27 minutes 4 minutes 9 minutes 11 minutes 4 minutes 2 minutes 50 minutes 30 minutes
11 minutes 2 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes
17 minutes
5 minutes
THE SCHOOL
N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT
6 minutes 11 minutes
THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET
THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
1 minute 1 minute
N/A N/A
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
16 minutes 15 minutes
17 minutes 16 minutes 45 minutes
9 minutes 9 minutes 14 minutes
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
THE CITY CENTRE
N/A
N/A
THE MAIN AIRPORT
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CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
HEALTH & SAFETY MEDICAL INSURANCE: All students must have travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the US. Positively Languages offers you a low-cost Travel and Medical Insurance Plan that we advise you to take. If you are not taking Positively Languages Insurance you are required to show proof of alternative medical insurance. Please make sure your insurance includes evacuation and repatriation.
LAWS
• No one under the age of 21 in the US may buy or consume tobacco or alcohol, including beer and wine. It is against the law to buy tobacco or alcohol for someone you know is under the age of 21. • Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime and police make regular random checks. • You will need international ID to enter bars, clubs or pubs (e.g. passport, ID card, driving licence). • Buying, selling and using drugs is illegal.
PROTECTING YOUR BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend you take out insurance for your personal belongings, especially cameras, mobile phones, music players and laptops. Personal items cannot be covered by Positively Languages homestay or residence insurance. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION: Remember to bring enough of your prescribed medication with you as US pharmacists will not fill a foreign prescription. International customs agents may ask you questions about your medication upon your departure or arrival, so be sure to pack it carefully. Bring any important medical records (blood type, prescriptions) that might be useful for medical care abroad as well as contact information for your health care providers at home.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
IF YOU GET SICK: If you fall ill while in the US you should visit a doctor. You can ask school staff or your host where the nearest doctor is. If you have a minor illness you can ask staff at a local pharmacy for advice. Remember to bring any relevant insurance or medical documentation with you. You may need to register with a doctor.
• All individuals regardless of gender identification and sexuality are expected to be treated equally and should always be treated fairly. • American people talk to strangers in public areas. This is a great way to practice English, but caution should be taken. You should not give out your address and telephone number, or accept inappropriate invitations. • “Please” and “thank you” are very important words! Always use them if you ask someone to do something for you, or if they help you or give you information. • The US is a culturally diverse nation where people of all ethnic backgrounds are treated equally. • People in North America leave a tip for good service in restaurants, hair salons and other places. The tip rate at most restaurants is about 20-22% of the bill and is not usually included. Fast-food is not tipped unless it is delivered. Porters in stations, airports and hotels should be tipped approximately $1 per bag. Taxi drivers are generally given a 15-20% tip.
MEDICAL COSTS Medical costs are at the discretion of your local doctor or hospital. Minimum medical costs are as follows: CONSULTATION WITH A DOCTOR: $60 DENTAL TREATMENT: $150 EYE TEST OR NEW GLASSES: $150
EMERGENCY SERVICES Call 911 in case of fire, medical emergency or if you need the police
POSITIVELY RULES
• If you leave your Positively Languages course without informing us, your Form I-20 (if applicable) will be terminated and you may fall out of status. • You must attend all classes. If you do not, your representative will be informed. If you are under 18, your parents will be informed. If you do not then improve your attendance you may receive a notice of expulsion. • Be on time for all your lessons • Always tell Positively Languages if you are going to be absent from school for any reason and tell your host if you are going away overnight. • If you commit a criminal offence or have to be severely disciplined, you will be sent home and no refund will be given. We will also inform the immigration authorities.
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CHICAGO
SCHOOL GUIDE
HOLIDAY POLICY
US PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January 2026 19th January 2026 25th May 2026 19th June 2026
NEW YEAR’S DAY
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
MEMORIAL DAY
JUNETEENTH
3rd July 2026
INDEPENDENCE DAY
7th September 2026 26th November 2026 27th November 2026 25th December 2026
LABOR DAY
THANKSGIVING
DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING
CONTACT US
CHRISTMAS DAY
SCHOOL CLOSURES: The school will be closed from 21st December 2026 to 28th December 2026 with an additional closure for New Year’s Day on 1st January 2027. ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD STUDENTS: There are preset session breaks for all Academic Year Abroad students. These dates depend on your start date and cannot be changed. Please check with the school if you are not sure when these are. 28th December 2026 These dates are observed as holidays in the year. If you arrive on a week where the Monday is a holiday, your first day of school will be a Tuesday DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY
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